Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Bread is a cozy, flavorful treat perfect for any time of the day. With tender apples and warm spices baked into a moist loaf, it’s a delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall or simply brighten a breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter, cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Mix in the sour cream or yogurt until fully incorporated to add moisture to the batter.
6. Step 6: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. A few lumps are okay; avoid overmixing.
7. Step 7: Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the top evenly with brown sugar for a sweet crust.
9. Step 9: Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has wet batter, continue baking a few more minutes.
10. Step 10: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for balanced flavor. Unsweetened applesauce can replace fresh apples if needed—reduce sugar slightly.
• Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
• If you have nut allergies, omit walnuts or pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for texture.
• To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cloves or stirring in dried cranberries or raisins.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread moist and fluffy; mix until just combined.

Storage

Store leftover Apple Cinnamon Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave to enjoy warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any apple variety works well, though Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. Mixing varieties can add extra depth.

Is it okay to make this bread without nuts?

Yes, you can leave out the walnuts or pecans if you prefer or have allergies. The bread will still be moist and flavorful without them.

Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Cinnamon Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread made with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. Perfectly soft with a sweet brown sugar crust, it combines the tartness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with a tender crumb enriched by sour cream and buttery goodness. Optional nuts add a delightful crunch, making it ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

Mix-Ins:

• 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Topping:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
3. Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer. This aerates the batter for a good rise.
4. Combine with Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for aroma and flavor.
5. Add the Sour Cream or Yogurt: Mix in the sour cream or yogurt thoroughly to add moisture and richness to the bread.
6. Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula just until combined. A few lumps are okay; be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
7. Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the peeled and chopped apples and the nuts if using. These add texture and bursts of flavor.
8. Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top evenly with the brown sugar to create a sweet crust.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 60 to 70 minutes in the preheated oven. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. If batter sticks, bake a few more minutes.
10. Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and sets the crumb.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji for best flavor.
• If fresh apples are unavailable, unsweetened applesauce may be substituted, but reduce sugar slightly.
• For dairy-free options, replace butter with coconut or vegetable oil, and use plant-based yogurt in place of sour cream.
• Omitting nuts is fine if allergies are a concern; bread will still be moist and delicious.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
• Feel free to customize with additional spices like cloves or add dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins, adjusting moisture accordingly.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
• Always perform the toothpick test before removing from oven to avoid underbaking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple bread, cinnamon bread, quick bread, moist bread, baked bread, apple cinnamon loaf, nut bread, fall baking